Buying plants from local nurseries or farmers markets is often the best way to get native plants in your area. Be cautious when shopping at big box garden centers because they’re less likely to sell plants native to your area and may even have invasive species.

Growing your own food is a great way to save money on produce and reduce your pollution footprint, but it can come with a lot of upkeep and maintenance. Some people like the act of gardening as a hobby, while others would prefer to reap the benefits in the easiest way possible.

Ripping out your lawn and replacing it with a more natural, native-plant-heavy landscape can save you tons of money — but it’s an inconvenience and annoyance that many homeowners naturally don’t want to tackle without incentives.